Smarty to Uruguay

This just in: Smarty Jones will be shuttling to Uruguay at the end of July to perform his studly duties during that hemisphere's breeding season. The general reaction of those in his "camp" is one of delight and opportunity, not only for the income, but also for the introduction of high quality mares into his line.

"We could not be happier," said Ricardo Colombo, who along with ghost Ridge Farm manager, Carl McEntee, helped broker the deal. "Smarty Jones was an exceptional racehorse. Bringing him here will thrust the Uruguayan breeding program into the international market."

"The opportunity for his base of mare again be increased and diversified can only continue to prove the quality that this sensational horse possesses," Carl McEntee said.

Pat Chapman, owner of Smarty Jones, was instrumental in having the colt relocated to Pennsylvania from Kentucky and also has been adamant about not selling him to any overseas interests. "The Japanese really, really want him," she told the Philadelphia Inquirer. "We've turned down some nice offers from Japan. I keep saying, 'No, he's not leaving the country.' I'm happy to allow Smarty the opportunity to shuttle."

I am not up on the level of horse racing in Uruguay but my guess is that Smarty Jones will be treated like the visiting dignitary he will be. The best thing would be if some of those babies eventually raced in the United States so we could see them in person.

In the meantime, Smarty's 3 year old son, Rouge Romance, is the favorite in the Risen Star Stakes, to be run at Fair Grounds on Saturday.